Zack

Annexstad

Annexstad (6'3/220) missed the entirety of the 2019 regular season rehabbing from foot surgery. While Gophs HC P.J. Fleck floated in November the possibility of a bowl return for the sophomore, the plan now is to make sure that Annexstad is right for 2020 (he recently had some screws removed from his foot). Annexstad will be able to save a year of eligibility by taking a redshirt for the campaign.

Annexstad (6'3/220) underwent foot surgery in early August and has not been physically able to play this fall. Should the sophomore did find his way back for a bowl, he would do so while retaining eligibility for a redshirt.

Annexstad injured his foot during practice on Friday and while the coaching staff was staying positive, things aren’t looking great for the sophomore. Pioneer Press’ Andy Greder reports” The goal here is to jumpstart what’s expected to be a months-long recovery and rehab process.” With Annexstad likely to be out for a good portion of the season, the Gophers will turn to sophomore QB Tanner Morgan who sports a 58.6 percent career completion rate.

Annexstad was injured during practice on Friday and has no timetable for return. The severity of his injury is unknown but will likely be announced within the next couple of days. HC P.J. Fleck said “He worked extremely hard in the spring and summer to put himself in position to compete for the starting job, and I know he will recover from this setback to be even stronger.” If Annexstad is unable to play in the Gophers’ season-opener against South Dakota State on August 29th, sophomore QB Tanner Morgan will slide in as the starter.

Annexstad has sat in favor of redshirt freshman Tanner Morgan over the last two games, as he has been nursing ankle and midsection injuries. He was healthy enough to serve as Morgan’s backup in Saturday’s loss to Illinois and on Monday, Fleck left the door open to the possibility of playing both quarterbacks. Minnesota will wrap the campaign up with contests against Purdue, Northwestern and Wisconsin.

Annexstad also is dealing with an ankle injury, but it appears the internal injury is why the freshman is going to miss the game against the Hoosiers. With Annexstad out, Tanner Morgan will make the start for the Golden Gophers.

Annexstad, whose mobility has been compromised since injuring his left ankle Sept. 15 against Miami (Ohio), suffered an internal midsection injury in the second quarter of Saturday’s loss to Nebraska. He was briefly hospitalized but was able to travel with the team back to Minneapolis. “I can’t give you a percentage just yet [of Annexstad’s chances of playing],” Fleck said. “It’s only a day-and-a-half after the game, so for us to say exactly what’s going to happen, I’d be guessing.” If Annexstad can’t go, the Gophers will roll with redshirt freshman Tanner Morgan. Morgan was widely expected to win the job out of camp.

Annexstad ceded Friday’s start to Morgan due to midsection and ankle injuries -- he did not even dress for the game -- but practiced on Tuesday and looks like he should be able available versus the Illini on Saturday. It’ll be Morgan’s show, though.

Minnesota HC P.J. Fleck said following the game that Annexstad was expected to be released soon, which may bode well for the quarterback from a diagnosis standpoint. The freshman signal-caller left Saturday’s game on two separate occasions, with Tanner Morgan serving as his replacement. If the injury were to sideline Annexstad for Minnesota’s next game, October 26 against Indiana, Morgan would get the nod.

Minnesota HC P.J. Fleck said after the game that trainers began to notice an issue with Annexstad late in the first half, and the decision was ultimately made to take him to the hospital. “He was coughing a lot and our trainers did a great job of jumping into action,” Fleck said after the game. It remains to be seen whether or not the freshman will be available for Minnesota’s next game, October 26 against Indiana.